I was always that person who gave money to missions, prayed for missionaries and encouraged others to go on missions. I always said, “Some people are called to go but I am called to hold down the fort”. This all changed about five years ago when I met a sweet woman from England. She told me the heart-wrenching story of how she and her husband adopted their daughter from Romania. From that day forward, I couldn’t shake the desire to go to Romania and share the love and joy of Jesus with the children of Romania.

Fast forward to October 13, 2017. I boarded a plane headed to do just that. I had prayed and prepared for this. I had a wonderful team leader and the best team of ladies to share this experience. I can truly say that I felt such joy and purpose holding, singing and playing with the babies in the hospital. I stepped out of my comfort zone and taught a Bible lesson to school age children in the afterschool program. My heart bursts with love for these children.

The work that Firm Foundations Romania is doing is truly amazing. I saw first-hand, a success story from the afterschool program. A young Roma woman who not only finished high school, but went on to graduate from college with a Social work degree. She is now serving Roma children. I saw over worked nurses brought to tears from a simple thank you card and some burnt cookies. I saw the hands and feet of Jesus in action and I will never be the same. The precious faces of those I met will forever be etched in my heart.

The prayers and preparation were awesome, but I was not prepared for the tug on my heart to go back. I felt the Lord call me to a deeper level of involvement. I would love to go back for a little longer trip and bring my husband. I don’t know what that looks like yet, but I am excited. Thank you, Lord for this amazing opportunity.